Construction Litigation

Resolving construction disputes with commercial insight and strategic thinking.

Talk to our Construction Litigation Team.

Construction projects are complex by nature. Multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, evolving project requirements and significant financial investment can create an environment where disputes can arise at any stage of a project, despite the best planning and intentions.

When they do, businesses need legal advisers who understand not only the law, but also the commercial realities of the construction industry and the pressures facing those involved in delivering projects.

The importance of mitigating risks cannot be overstressed, and neither can the value of having the support of a market leading heavyweight construction litigation team when disputes do arise.

We recognise that disputes can disrupt projects, damage relationships, impact cash flow and divert valuable management time away from core business objectives. Our team has a proven track record of successfully resolving construction issues quickly and effectively while also protecting our clients’ interests, so that they can concentrate on completing their projects.

Our Construction Litigation team provides strategic and commercially focused advice to developers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, funders, property owners and construction professionals involved in contentious matters, and pride ourselves on providing commercial solutions that make a real difference.

We also understand that the best outcome is not always achieved through lengthy and expensive litigation. Instead, we focus on identifying practical and innovative strategies that resolve disputes efficiently, protect commercial relationships where possible and support our clients’ wider business goals.

By working closely in partnership with our clients, taking the time to understand their business and their projects, we provide tailored legal advice that supports and protects their interests. Whether resolving disputes through negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, adjudication, arbitration or litigation, our focus remains on delivering commercially effective solutions that help our clients succeed.

Our Specialist Services

Our experience spans the full range of contentious issues that arise in construction and infrastructure projects, ranging from payment disputes and defective design and construction claims, to delay and disruption, adjudication, arbitration and when necessary, court proceedings. Our services include:

Construction contracts form the foundation of every successful project, but disagreements over contractual obligations can quickly escalate into costly disputes. We can advise clients on claims involving breaches of contract, variations, extensions of time, defects, delays and contractual interpretation issues.

Our team carefully analyses contractual provisions and project documentation to develop strategies that align with our clients’ commercial objectives. We understand the importance of resolving disputes efficiently to minimise disruption and maintain project momentum.

Alternative Dispute Resolution & Mediation

Not every construction dispute requires a courtroom battle. In many cases, alternative methods of dispute resolution can deliver faster, more cost-effective and commercially beneficial outcomes. We advise clients on a range of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes, including mediation, without prejudice negotiations, expert determination and early neutral evaluation. These approaches often preserve important business relationships while enabling parties to maintain greater control over the outcome.

Work Highlights

Our Construction Litigation team has advised on a wide range of disputes across the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors. Here is a selection:

£120 Million Hotel/Residential Scheme
We advised a developer on its entitlement to recovery of time and cost under JCT terms following the delayed completion of a £120 million mixed-use commercial and residential city centre scheme, arising from the defective design and construction of structural concrete balconies at risk of disproportionate collapse.
Social Housing
We advised a social housing provider in multi-party proceedings on its recovery of remediation costs arising from the defective design and construction of a high dependency elderly care residential scheme, including claims under the Defective Premises Act 1972, the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978.
Highways
Advising upon extensive delay and disruption claims arising from heavy civils work associated with one of the UK’s largest and most technically challenging road projects through the Heads of the Valleys and South Wales.
Hydroelectric Reservoir Project
We advised a main contractor in adjudication proceedings under NEC terms arising from delays, compensation events and associated financial differences related to the completion of a hydroelectric reservoir project.
International Infrastructure
Representing a Claimant before the International Court of Arbitration arising from the Claimant’s design, construction and installation of bespoke water treatment facilities for a food processing facility in Eastern Europe.
Defence Infrastructure
Advising upon delay and disruption claims under a FIDIC form of contract associated with the refurbishment of a submarine dry dock including the parties’ respective obligations for pre-existing ground conditions, extent of professional surveys, methods of injection cement grouting and the structural stability of existing structures.
London Residential Development
We advised a developer in adjudication and subsequent High Court proceedings in respect of delays, disruption and defective design and construction of multiple ultra-high value residential developments in a central London location under JCT terms.
Retail / Commercial
Acting in serial adjudications on behalf of a main contractor in relation to the wrongful termination of a JCT design and build contract in respect of a multi-storey hotel and commercial premises in Southern England. Successfully resisting enforcement of adjudication decision whilst successfully enforcing a seven figure cross adjudication award.

What our clients say

Philip Graham provides a very prompt and considered response to any query. He takes a very pragmatic approach to the resolution of construction disputes.

Philip Graham provides us with excellent service and first-class knowledge. He is an excellent construction litigator.

The team is well balanced and proactive. They are clear communicators and happy to go the extra step such as by reaching out to third parties to explain terms and resolve misunderstandings.

They take the time to understand the practical detail of construction developments, to ensure the contracts reflect the required outcome. They work in a collaborative way with all stakeholders.

He is an excellent solicitor. Philip is very knowledgeable and has a high level of commitment.

He provided excellent service and extensive knowledge. The assistance provided with submission issues was first class.

We were once again delighted by the service that we received from the team at Acuity and the quality of the advice over the full course of the energy project. To succeed with a project such as Margam you need long-standing and trusted legal advisers who can deal with a vast range of issues and Acuity tickedĀ allĀ the boxes. The team went over and above to deliver a great outcome.

Supporting Clients Through Construction Disputes

We understand that construction disputes rarely occur in isolation. They often arise against a backdrop of ongoing projects, commercial pressures, stakeholder expectations and operational challenges. That is why our approach extends beyond providing technical legal advice. We work as trusted advisers and strategic partners, helping our clients make informed decisions that support both their immediate objectives and long-term success.

By investing time in understanding our clients’ businesses, project delivery models and commercial priorities, we are able to provide advice that is tailored, practical and relevant. We recognise that success may mean resolving a dispute quickly to preserve relationships, recovering substantial losses through formal proceedings or implementing strategies that reduce future risk.

Awards and Credentials

Phil is listed as Leading Partner in the Legal 500 for their work in Construction

Legal 500

Phil is listed as Up and Coming by Chambers and Partners

Chambers and Partners

The Construction Team is ranked Tier 2 in the Legal 500

Legal 500

The Construction Team is ranked Band 2 by Chambers and Partners

Chambers and Partners

Meet the Team

Meet the wider team

Our Construction Litigation lawyers are leads in their specific litigation field. Get in touch directly, if you would like to have an initial chat about a potential issue or growing dispute.

Philip Graham

Senior Partner
Construction Litigation Team Construction Team Bristol Cardiff Swansea
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Jason Howells

Partner
Construction Team Cardiff
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Huw Roffe

Partner
Commercial Litigation Team Dispute Resolution & Litigation Cardiff
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Our Expertise: We Also Advise On

Our specialist Construction Litigation lawyers often work closely with other specialist teams including:

Construction

We advise on all forms of construction contracts including NEC, FIDIC, JCT, iChem and bespoke arrangements, working with funders, developers, contractors and social housing providers across projects of every scale and complexity.

Learn more about Construction, Infrastructure and Energy
Energy

We have extensive experience of the energy sector with our expertise spanning the full lifecycle of a project, from land acquisition and disposal to planning, project finance and funding structures.

Learn more about Energy
Corporate

From Series A funding and management buyouts to major acquisitions and full exits, we act on transactions at every stage of the business lifecycle.

Learn more about Corporate
Banking & Finance

Funding structures, loan facilities and financial arrangements to support your transaction.

Learn more about Banking & Finance
Real Estate

Property due diligence, acquisition and disposal support for transactions with a real estate element.

Learn more about Real Estate
Real Estate Finance

Advising funders, developers and borrowers on the financing and refinancing of development and investment projects.

Learn more about Real Estate Finance